Gayland Jay Stephens

On June 1, 1968, he married Ella Faye Taylor at the First Baptist Church in Hamilton, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant sons, Joni Lynn Stephens and Shannon Chad Stephens and his father-in-law, Lynn Taylor.

Gayland and Ella Faye have one child, Dr. Rena Dunahoo who survives him along with her husband, Nick, of Lake Belton; two granddaughters, Addison Layne and Emery Rayne Dunahoo of their family home. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Ella Mae Taylor of Hamilton.

His wishes were to include his daughter of the heart, Amy Smith Pavelka and her husband, D’wayne, of Whitney; and their children, Caleb & Reagan because they meant so very much to him.

He is also survived by one brother, Rickie Don Stephens, and his wife, Gloria, of Comanche; Brenda Gail Stephens Andrews, and her husband, Kenneth of Hamilton; and Karen Kay Stephens Price of Gatesville.

His nieces and nephews are Jana O’Neal and husband, Randy, of Weatherford; Dana Chancellor and husband, Tommy, of Decatur; Dr. Tonya Cyplik and husband, Dave, of Paradise; Brett Stephens and wife, Elizabeth of Comanche; Britney Aaron and husband, J. P., of Cranfills Gap; Chad Andrews of Austin; Whitney Posey, Lexi Price, Nick Price, Tyler Price, all of Gatesville and Coltyn Price of Graham.

Gayland has nine great-nieces and nephews: Riley O’Neal, Jaret O’Neal, Layton Chancellor, Aaron Chancellor, John Simon Waller, Cooper Waller, Landry Stephens, Gage Aaron and Lila Aaron.

Arrangements under the direction of Riley Funeral Home, Hamilton, Texas.